News

Former SAIC Dean of Faculty Carol Becker discusses SAIC’s role in Chicago\'s political and civic discourse.

June
26,
2013

The Artist as Intellectual

On June 22 Truth-out.org writers Alexandra Epp and Grace Pollockinterviewed former SAIC Dean of Faculty Carol Becker, who recently gave a talk in Hamilton, Canada, on artists who identify as public intellectuals. In the interview, she discussed the role of public and private institutions in creating civic dialogue; comparisons between public intellectuals in New York City and Chicago; and her work as an educator. “I think the next generation is fantastic—they're looking at the whole global picture in its complexity, and they're inheriting a very complicated world. They're going to need every imaginable tool to solve the problems they are inheriting: From the environment to war, to immigration, to leadership and governance, to education," Becker says. "So we need another generation of leaders to take the world's problems on fearlessly. All change and growth starts with a very small step and requires taking on each problem fearlessly and not backing down.”

Stay Connected

Quicklinks

SAIC News on Twitter

A leader in educating artists, designers, and scholars since 1866, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) offers nationally accredited undergraduate and graduate degrees and post-baccalaureate programs to 3,500 students from around the globe. Located in the heart of Chicago, SAIC has an educational philosophy built upon an interdisciplinary approach to art and design, giving students unparalleled opportunities to develop their creative and critical abilities, while working with faculty who are the leading practitioners in their fields.